New aerial obstacle

[Let'sgoflying!]

Anyone know about these?
Local social media was blowing up this week about a ballooney thing hanging around town, low level - then the Sheriff’s FB page showed him inspecting it, following its crash on a nearby ranch.
The payload shown on their site says up to 100kg.
Hoping they have lights or a TFR, maybe adsb? Would hate to encounter one at night. They are supposed to be very high altitude devices but apparently... not always.


https://worldview.space/fly-your-payload/

 

[overdrive148]

I saw that exact one on FlightRadar24 on Tuesday at 50k+ feet

 

[Domenick]

Are these ballon flights equipped with ADS-B Out? If not, why not?

 

[Magnus P.IFR]

I actually was near several of these last spring, they showed up on the ads-b...I could physically see the one over Mitchell at 17,000. Had them show up again over northern Texas once.

 

[Domenick]

I sent WorldView.space the following email:

As a fixed wing pilot I am concerned about how you ensure airspace safety.
Are your flights equipped with ADS-B Out transmitters?
Do they carry visual beacons and/or strobes?

The response:

Our flight is coordinated with the FAA and regulated by the rules below to ensure safety. Unless you fly one of a few types of high altitude aircraft, we are spending almost our entire flight higher than you fly.
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?rgn=div5&node=14:2.0.1.3.15
Best,
Justin

 

[arnoha]

I sent WorldView.space the following email:


The response:

That is both entirely accurate and utterly failed to answer any of your questions. Reading comprehension is not strong with them, I guess.

 

[Domenick]

I'm guessing their reading comprehension is just fine. I take their politicianesque, non-answer to mean, "No" to both questions. However, I have followed up with Justin and will report back.